Early Hamer production #'s, How many are left?

[RkR]

I was playing my '78 Sunburst the other day and was wondering just how many of them have made it all these years intact? I'm sure many of them were trashed over the years for whatever reason. Does anybody know the production numbers for Sunbursts in 1978? How many can still be accounted for do you think? I've seen quite a few early Sunbursts here over the years but can only really remember a handful of '78's and only one or 2 that still had the wooden shim under the pre-Sustain Block bridge.

Who's got 'em?

-=RkR=-

[RkR]

I just looked at Serial's database and counted 9 Sunbursts in 1978 (Mine is 8-0131), were there REALLY that few, or is that just what's been registered here? I knew it was rare, but seriously, 9 made that year?

[HSB0531]

This is going to be a good thread.

I think a great deal more have survived.

The database is a good start, but I believe Serial has a lot more than what you see there.

[dirk]

There are much more out there. I have three sunbursts from 1978 and they are not in the Hamer Database...

[belgian]

There are much more out there. I have three sunbursts from 1978 and they are not in the Hamer Database...

1 Sunburst from 1977, 2 from 1978 and a 4 digit from 1978 here and also not in the database.

[dirk]

...actually there are a lot of HFC members who own at least one 1978 Hamer Sunburst.

I assume that many of them are willing to provide the Data Base with pics and informations regarding their instruments.

...for an outsider like me it seems like it is quite difficult to maintain the Data Base properly...

Regarding the number of posts and replies in this forum there is not much love for sunbursts from that era

[cmatthes]

The database that is attached to the site is ancient, and is not the complete (and current) list that Steve maintains. He updates the list on a regular basis.

[LostArt]

are you counting the faked ones?

[Jem]

Regarding the number of posts and replies in this forum there is not much love for sunbursts from that era

The subject has pretty well been done to death over the past ten years, only surpassed by "when will they make Californians again"

[bubs_42]

I personally fancy the Early Sunburst. I've owned 5 79's and 1 81 Sunburst. I sold all of them when I aquired my 77 Sunburst 7 0051 big neck and big tone. I've been laying low lately but I fully intend on getting a 78. Great guitars, but I do believe that most prefer the 79 because of the fact thats when the Sustainblock appeared as well as the 3pc necks. Its like the 57, 58, 59 LP. The 79 just hit everthing just right. 1980 was cool then 81 Hamer moved to the small necks. Although the extra cut in the lower horn was a very nice upgrade. The 81 that I have was one of the best sound burst that I've owned but my 77 KILLS!

[serial]

There were 96 '77 Sunbursts (plus 4 or 5 prototypes, depending on who you ask).

There were 511 '78s.

I have every '78 Sunburst in the Registry.

I wish someone would take down that thing that's posted-it is NOTHING like the Registry I created and maintain.